A survey by south London and Kent law firm Thackray Williams and legal recruiters LR Legal, found 43% of those working in law firms were currently seeking a new role, with a further 22% considering making a move.
Respondents cited more money and benefits as their chief motivation for switching jobs, closely followed by a better work/life balance, followed by greater opportunities for promotion and progression.
When asked about their employers’ biggest failings during the pandemic, poor communication topped the list, cited by 42% of respondents, followed by lack of opportunities for promotion (40%), poor technology (35%) and not having proper mechanisms in place to manage mental health and wellbeing (34%).
Despite the failings, 76% of law firm staff said they were well treated by their employers during the pandemic and 30% said they felt more positive about their employer than they did before COVID-19.
More than one third (37%) said their employer was putting them under pressure to return to the office. However, more than half said the opposite.
Sean Sanders, managing partner of Thackray Williams, said: ‘We’ve spent the last 18 months working hard to communicate with our colleagues and listen to their concerns.
‘During a time of great uncertainty and high anxiety, one of our biggest drivers was to ensure that our staff didn’t find themselves in an information vacuum. In an era where law firm culture is just as important as pay, the results of this survey present a timely reminder for firms to keep communication and employee wellbeing at the top of their agenda.’
The online survey was conducted between 28 September and 13 October, with 135 legal professionals responding. 51% of respondents were solicitors, 33% legal support staff and 16% were trainees.
Leilani Reader of LR Legal said: ‘The legal recruitment market, particularly amongst solicitors and legal secretaries, has always been highly candidate driven and that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.
‘Law firms are having to work extra hard to attract talent. Financial remuneration always ranks highly for candidates, but flexible working is no longer a nice to have―it is essential. Most legal professionals will not even consider a law firm if they don’t offer flexibility or aren’t actively investing in their culture.’
